Legal Definitions - bareboat charter

A bareboat charter is a specific type of agreement where one party (the "charterer") rents a vessel, such as a ship, yacht, or boat, from another party (the "owner") without any crew, provisions, or fuel included. Under this arrangement, the charterer takes full operational control and responsibility for the vessel, much like renting a car where you supply the driver, fuel, and manage its use.

The charterer is responsible for:

• Providing their own crew (if needed)
• Fueling the vessel
• Stocking it with supplies
• Managing all operational aspects, including navigation, maintenance, and insurance, for the duration of the charter period.

Here are some examples to illustrate a bareboat charter:

• Example 1: Commercial Shipping

  A large logistics company, "Global Freight Inc.," needs an additional cargo ship for a six-month contract to transport goods across the Pacific. Instead of purchasing a new ship or hiring a full crew, they enter into a bareboat charter agreement with "Ocean Vessels Ltd." Global Freight Inc. provides its own experienced maritime crew, manages all fuel and provisioning, and takes on the responsibility for the ship's operational maintenance and insurance during the six-month period. This allows Global Freight Inc. to expand its capacity without the long-term commitment of ownership or the immediate overhead of a fully crewed charter.

• Example 2: Recreational Yachting

  A group of friends, all experienced sailors, plans a two-week sailing vacation in the Caribbean. They want the freedom to navigate their own course, choose their own anchorages, and manage their provisions. They rent a 50-foot catamaran from "Island Charters Co." under a bareboat charter agreement. They are responsible for sailing the boat themselves, buying all their food and drinks, fueling the vessel, and ensuring its safe operation throughout their trip. Island Charters Co. simply provides the vessel itself, in good working order.

• Example 3: Offshore Energy Project

  An offshore wind farm developer, "WindPower Solutions," requires a specialized support vessel for a year-long construction phase to transport equipment and personnel between the shore and the wind farm site. WindPower Solutions has its own certified maritime operations team and crew. They secure a bareboat charter for a suitable vessel from "Marine Fleet Services." During the charter period, WindPower Solutions' crew operates the vessel, manages all its maintenance schedules, procures fuel and supplies, and ensures compliance with all safety regulations, taking full responsibility for the vessel's performance and upkeep.